Final Hurricane Helene Debris Collection Pass Underway in Richmond County

It's been nearly five months since Hurricane Helene caused devastation throughout the CSRA and officials in Richmond County say the contractor hired to remove the storm debris is in the process of making one final pass to collect what still remains.

Debris removal is now complete in District 7, while a final pass is now in progress in District 1.

Ceres Environmental, the contractor hired to do the debris removal, will not collect any more storm debris once a final pass is complete in each area.

As of the week ending February 3, there have been 59,456 loads of debris hauled for removal in Richmond County. That amounts to 3,168,495 cubic yards.

The City of Augusta says 10,892 hazardous tree limbs have been removed, as well as 1,009 trees in Richmond County as a result of Hurricane Helene. Georgia Power said they had to remove more than 3,000 trees from power lines alone. More than 250 trucks have been working diligently on storm debris removal in both Richmond and Columbia Counties since the process began.

The goal, according to Bo Ansley, regional client service manager at Ceres Environmental, was to have debris removal completed before Masters week in April.

"To report unmapped storm debris, contact Augusta 311. We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we work to complete the final stages of this recovery effort. For any questions or concerns, please contact Augusta 311," according to a City of Augusta news release.

Columbia County officials say the first pass is nearly 90% complete, as of February 6, with the second pass slated to begin soon.

Officials say they'll be able to give residents a better idea of a timetable for the remaining debris removal schedule soon.